WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Transportation Security Administration is set to announce that it will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes during security checks at some U.S. airports, according to media reports.
CBS News, citing sources, on Monday reported the change in TSA policy appears to be a phased approach with Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport among the first where the no-shoe requirement will expire.
Responding to the CBS story on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday: “Big news from @DHSgov!” Her response included the emojis for an airplane and a shoe.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is due to hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon where she is expected to announce the policy change.
TSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the removal of the policy.
TSA began making passengers remove their shoes to screen for explosives in August 2006. The policy was implemented nearly five years after the 9/11 attacks and when Richard Reid, who is known as the “shoe bomber,” used matches in an attempt to ignite explosive devices hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami.
In 2013, TSA launched the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler program, where members are not required to remove their shoes. Children under 12 and adults 75 years or older are exempt from removing their shoes.
(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Additional reporting by Nicole JohnsonEditing by Marguerita Choy)
